The chamber is on a stronger financial footing this year, chamber President Bob Gattinella said. Having converted to an all-volunteer organization without a paid staff, the group's expenses are lower.

"It's nothing more than basic business," said Gattinella, president of Gatt Construction Inc. "You try and take care of your members, you try and pay your bills, and run a good and decent Chamber of Commerce. I'm trying to stay out of the political arena and do what I can to help the businesses of Encinitas prosper."

Oktoberfest, traditionally the chamber's biggest event, is an important part of the job, Gattinella said, because it draws in visitors to the city for a favorable experience. And the revived event will be much like the previous ones, with familiar names and faces, he said.

"We have a lot of the same people that have been involved with the Oktoberfest in the past, like our food vendor,
Big John (Haedrich)
," of
Tip Top Meats
, Gattinella said. "He's been our main food vendor for most the last 16 Oktoberfests. The band has been there for the last two or three Oktoberfests. The ride vendors have come back."

Families will feel welcome, Gattinella said. The Encinitas Oktoberfest serves beer in its food and beverage tent where children are welcome, not in a separate age-limited beer garden, he said.

The chamber is looking for vendors who want to take part, and volunteers to help with the festival, especially with cleanup, Gattinella said. Those interested in helping can contact the chamber at 760-753-6041 or by emailing asst@encinitaschamber.com.